On Campus or Online?

Educational options for nurses who want to earn a higher degree include programs that are offered on campus or programs that are delivered primarily online. Distance education allows students the flexibility of taking courses at their own pace and on their own schedule. Many working nurses prefer the flexibility of an online program instead of a program that requires them to be on campus regularly.

Online courses often allow working professionals the opportunity to complete clinical courses at their work site or at other agencies in their own community, near work and home. Technology also provides an effective and convenient way to deliver nursing education to the vast rural areas of North Carolina where the commute to a nursing school is too long to be a practical option.

To determine if an online program might be the best option for you, consider some of the following factors:

Learning style

Comfort with computers

Technical requirements for hardware and software

Motivation and discipline: can you structure your time and schedule successfully?